Getting Around in Mexico City

There are many ways to commute in Mexico City, most notably by car. Due to much work that has been done on Mexico City's overburdened infrastructure, and the inclusion of new urban highways like the Viaducto, Periferico and Circuito Interior, traffic generally flows. Roads are wide and also mostly one way, thus being more conducive to flowing traffic, even though the maintenance leaves a lot to be desired. This means that when driving you should always beware and expect anything and everything - literally.

Driving is much more of an "intuitive" experience in Mexico City. People tend to go in and out of lanes as they please, with the use of turn signals being the exception rather than the rule. Potholes abound, as do pedestrians and sometimes cyclists, and people often don't respect even the most basic traffic rules. Expect cars to run red lights, to be coming the wrong way on a one-way street, to suddenly stop or turn without warning or logic. Be extra cautious at nights as drunk drivers are to be found, especially on weekends.

Driver's License

When it comes to acquiring a Mexican driver's license, you can do so without any exams or tests, even if you have never had a previous license. Just take along your passport and your FM2 or FM3 and you will be issued a license within an hour at the Secretaria de Transportes y Vialidad. Tourists may drive with an international license or the driver's license of their own country. If you would like to bring your car into Mexico from the U.S. you will need to acquire a permit at the border by leaving a deposit - the amount of which corresponds to the model and type of vehicle you're driving. You will also have to buy insurance. Make sure you have an international credit card otherwise you'll find this process a big nuisance. You may then gain entry into the country for a period of up to six months after which your permit (along with your FMT tourist visa) will have to be renewed.

Public Transport

When it comes to alternative modes of commuting in the city, Mexico's capital has very good infrastructure and very cheap public transport. The metro system is extensive, covering virtually the whole city with up to nine different routes. You can find a map of the routes and stations in every metro entrance and you can also buy your tickets there. Having entered the metro with your ticket you can change as many trains and routes as you like without using another ticket. The bus system is also very good, and then there are the "peseros" or mini-buses that are not quite as comfortable as the bus or the metro, but take you anywhere and everywhere. Public transport is generally quite safe, though you should be wary of traveling late at night. At rush hour public transport can be quite uncomfortable. For ladies traveling by metro, the first two cars of every train have been reserved for them and for young children so that they may travel more comfortably. All public transport is ridiculously cheap.

Taxi Cabs

Another obvious mode of transport is the omnipresent green beetle taxi. These taxis are cheap and easy to find, but they can be dangerous so it isn't recommended to use them. You should pay a little extra and call a sitio-radio cab. Always be wary of crime in Mexico City and make sure to lock your doors and keep your windows wound up, whether you're driving or taking a cab.

Going Out Of Town

Traveling out of town is a rewarding experience for Mexico City denizens, considering the wealth of colonial towns, archaeological sites and beaches. Toll roads can be a little expensive, but well worth the security, comfort and speed. The inter-city bus network is also very good, and one can travel very comfortably with first-class bus companies. Air travel is also an option, but because it remains regulated it's expensive.

Here's a rundown of the main transportation options:

The Metro (Subway)

Mexico City has a very efficient subway system which is clean and modern. The fare is inexpensive and transferring from one line to another can be done at no extra cost. The metro is currently undergoing extensive expansion. At this time, there are two airport metro stations.

In Town Bus Service

Bus stops are marked with a big sign with a drawing of a bus. To be sure you have the right bus, state your destination in a quizzical tone and wait for a SI or NO from the driver. Buses cover most of the city. The sign in front of the bus indicates the final destination. Buses are entered from the front and exited through the rear door. You should have small change available for bus fare. Ring the buzzer over the back door prior to your desired stop. Try to move toward the back door a couple of blocks before your destination.

Collectives or Peseros

These are microbuses or V.W. vans that are white with red stripes or gray and green. They have fixed routes and fixed rates depending on the distance traveled. They take as many passengers as the car will hold and drop them anywhere along the route for a fixed price. The driver will hold out his hand, indicating the number of seats available. Peseros can be found on most main avenues.

Trolley Buses

Trolleys run on electricity and are attached to overhead cables. The rate is currently the same as buses and the metro. You can purchase an "abono de transporte," which is a unique ticket valid for the buses, trolleys and metro.

Taxis

There are different types of taxis available including "Sitio," "Libres," Radio and Tourist Taxis, but the taxi recommended (especially at night) is the Radio Taxi. The radio taxis are identifiable by the radio antenna. These taxis are dispatched by radio but will occasionally pick up a fare on the street. Their fare is higher, but they will pick you up at the door and will be waiting at a prearranged time. The radio taxi company always keeps a record of the car and driver that provides the service and for security purposes at night the taxi service is the safest. The telephone directory will list this taxi under "Sitios de Automóviles" or "Taxis." Never take a street taxi at night.

Out Of Town Bus Lines

Tickets are sold only ONE WAY. You must buy the return ticket at your destination. Bus companies take reservations over the telephone, but find out when you have to pick up the tickets and where. Some bus lines have ticket offices throughout the city.

Driver's License

You can get a driver's license from the Transit Department at each of the 16 "delegaciones" throughout the city. You will need the originals and 3 copies of the following documents. Their hours are from 8 am to 1 pm. You might have to take a written exam in order to qualify for the license.

• A valid passport
• FM2 or FM3
• Proof of Address (i.e. bill from the telephone or utilities)
• Health declaration
• A valid foreign driver's license

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